Good Longhorn News

Students at HHS will be reviewing and selecting new course offerings this upcoming week, but some of them are a controversial add to the list.

Enrolling in classes is a more serious decision than it seems. HHS counselor Mrs. Gifford works hard to ensure that each student is on the path to graduation with the proper requirements. Her process is becoming more and more detailed. Starting with the graduating class of 2028, all students will be required to graduate with a STEM credit, and juniors will be required to complete semester-long Financial Literacy and Adulting classes. More requirements mean a more detailed process for Mrs. Gifford.

All of the new offered and required classes are a great opportunity for students to learn about what they are interested in. Some classes that have been favored by students include the Culinary classes, taught by Mrs. Bynum, Weights & Advance PE classes taught by both Teeters, and the Welding classes taught by Tracey Mangles and Ms. VenJohn.

The debate around religion in school is one relevant topic this year. The faculty at HHS have grappled with it and come to a conclusion. Biblical Literature will be offered as a new elective for the 2026-2027 school year. For some, this is an exciting new opportunity. For others, it seems too controversial.

Phillip Powers, freshman, said, “If you can’t go to church, it is a good opportunity. Some people may be interested in becoming a priest, so it is a good opportunity to understand the Bible.”

Abby Redden, sophomore, deems it appropriate. “I wouldn’t take it. I just don’t think it is something that should be taught in schools.”

Fortunately, it is a choice. It is offered to those who want it, but not required for those who don’t. Though the question of “Is it appropriate in the first place?” will be left to the students.

Excitingly, there will be other new courses offered alongside Biblical Literature. These include Current Events and Film as Literature.

“Taking Current Events would allow students to gain knowledge about the happenings in our world today at a local, national, and global level,” history teacher Ms. Boller explained. “It’s important to stay informed about the changes that are happening and decisions our politicians are making because these can and will affect all of us.”

Unlike Current Events, Film as Literature has not been offered at HHS before. While most students would like to watch movies all year, English teacher, Ms. Kleeman, says there is more to the course than that.

“When students analyze a film, rather than just watch a movie, they learn so much more about cinematography and visual symbolism than they would when just reading a screenplay,” she said. Film, as an art form, has the ability to add layers of meaning beyond what literature can achieve, she explained.

Even though these classes are being offered, it does not mean they are a guarantee. Course selections are only a small part of the process. After students select their courses, Mrs. Gifford, the school counselor, and Mr. Johnson, the school principal will sit down and build a master schedule for the upcoming school year. The number of students that enroll in each class will determine what classes make up the master schedule. After the master schedule is made, the grueling process of making each individual schedule begins. If you have ever wondered why a class you enrolled in wasn’t on your schedule next year, the lack of student enrollment is probably why.

Enrolling in classes, new or old, is an exciting and important step in working through and completing your high school career. Good luck to everyone scheduling!